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It Was A Typical System Installation, Until the Client Asked for This…

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Close-up of speakerIt was a fairly typical, if slightly larger than normal, system installation for Matt Durbahn of CDI Services in Denver, Colorado. The client was building a home in the countryside outside of Denver and the project called for a whole home automation solution with a media room, technology throughout the home, lighting, HVAC control, outdoor entertainment, security & surveillance, and all that goes with a system like this. Although fairly extensive, none of the client’s requests were unusual.

But then the client asked for something NO ONE has ever asked Durbahn for before…and things just got a whole lot more interesting.

See what the client’s crazy request was, and how the integrator pulled it off… [Read more…] about It Was A Typical System Installation, Until the Client Asked for This…

McIntosh Program to Supply Celebrities Cut Dealers Out

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Company Says No Such Program Exists Today

McIntosh LogoWe’ve recently learned about a program at McIntosh Laboratory, Inc., in which the company approached select prominent individuals, such as famous musicians or other celebrities, and provided them with McIntosh products directly, without the involvement of its dealers. The program, according to sources, was launched by Linda Passaro, a former Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing for McIntosh when it was part of D&M Holdings. Passaro was terminated in November 2011 by President Charlie Randall, but the program apparently remained in force for some time.

See more on this program that is a sore spot with some McIntosh dealers… [Read more…] about McIntosh Program to Supply Celebrities Cut Dealers Out

New Survey: Apple Watch is a Flop

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Apple, Inc. LogoIn a recently released survey by advertising technology company Fluent, more than half of U.S. adults say that the Apple Watch is a failed product…a flop. The study, which surveyed 2,578 adults here in the U.S., clearly suggests that Americans agree with many in the tech industry who have given largely negative reviews of the product. Ironically, at one time, the Watch was thought to be the next big thing from Apple. It may still be…

What does this study suggest about the “wearables” market?… [Read more…] about New Survey: Apple Watch is a Flop

Directing Traffic – How to Drive More Prospects to Your Website

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Photo of Residential SystemsYou don’t have to hire an expensive Search Engine Optimization (SEO) expert to make a meaningful improvement in your website’s ranking on a search engine results page. See the cover story in this month’s issue of Residential Systems Magazine by Ted Green on the five simple steps you can take that will propel your website to the top of the Google (or Bing, or Yahoo, or Ask) results page.

See more on this insightful article… [Read more…] about Directing Traffic – How to Drive More Prospects to Your Website

Conflicts Force Aim High Audio to Split Rep & Distribution Businesses

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Aim High Audio DistributingAim High Audio Sales & Marketing and AHA Distributing are separating, the company announced on Tuesday of this week. A prepared announcement from president and founder Chris Gilray, noted that the separation will allow each company to focus on its dramatic growth. Gilray will solely control the distribution business, while his partner Jon Perry will take over Aim High Audio’s representation business under the Precision Sales Group name.

We spoke with Gilray and learned about the competitive issues that drove this decision… [Read more…] about Conflicts Force Aim High Audio to Split Rep & Distribution Businesses

Tidal Targets Netflix – Adding Movies to Service

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Company Reports Stunning Growth Numbers

Photo of Jay Z and Beyonce
Jay Z, with his wife Beyonce

Tidal, the high quality music streaming service purchased by rapper Jay Z one year ago, is said to be adding movie streaming to their service, Page Six (part of the New York Post) reported yesterday. According to the report, Tidal has already notified Apple that it intends to add movie streaming to its app, formally starting the required approval process.

Tidal has had an exceptionally challenging year, with three CEOs in nine months. Will opening up to competition on a movie service make things better?

See more on this surprising development… [Read more…] about Tidal Targets Netflix – Adding Movies to Service

After Transfer to L.A., Monster vs. Beats Picks Up Again

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Beats Won Round One; Monster Wins Round Two

Photo of Noel Lee
Noel Lee at a past CE Line Show

It’s been ten months now since Beats Electronics, LLC won their motion to transfer the lawsuit brought against them by Monster, LLC, from San Mateo courts up in Northern California to their home turf of Los Angeles – a big win that reduces their costs and increases their comfort. But if Beats thought that their hometown courts would give them an advantage by being more favorable to their position in this case – they got a rude awakening earlier this month, when the LA judge offered a mixed ruling on several issues that mostly went against Beats’ desires.

See more on our update on this clash of titans in the headphone game… [Read more…] about After Transfer to L.A., Monster vs. Beats Picks Up Again

Marantz & Denon Add Auro-3D to Select Models

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Firmware Upgrade Brings New Technology to Top Models

Auro-3D Intro SlideMarantz and Denon both announced this week that they are offering a firmware update that adds Auro-3D, a popular surround sound system in Europe, to two top models in each brand. This upgrade will make these models the most comprehensive home theater center available today – featuring Auro-3D, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X – the most advanced surround sound technologies available.

See more about this move by Marantz and Denon…and about Auro-3D… [Read more…] about Marantz & Denon Add Auro-3D to Select Models

On Saturday, Sharp Becomes Taiwanese

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Savvy Negotiating by Gou Lands Him Sharp At a Discount

Photo of Terry Gou
Terry Gou, Chairman
Hon Hai Presicion
Foxconn

The Boards of both Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. (better known as Foxconn) and Sharp Corp. have approved the acquisition of 66% of the outstanding shares of Sharp by the Taiwanese OEM manufacturer of largely Apple, Inc. products. This day came largely as a result of some savvy negotiations and tactics from Foxconn’s CEO Terry Gou, who overcame tremendous odds to score this win.

Gou not only won Sharp, but he won it at a discount…see more… [Read more…] about On Saturday, Sharp Becomes Taiwanese

Gibson Brands Puts Assets Up For Sale

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Second Gibson property up for sale
Gibson warehouse for sale in Nashville

Just two weeks after we told you about Moody’s Investors Service downgrading Gibson Brands credit to junk status, the company has put two of their properties up for sale in an apparent effort to raise some much-needed cash. According to local reports, both properties contain warehouses and are located in redevelopment areas in downtown Nashville.

See more on this new Gibson development… [Read more…] about Gibson Brands Puts Assets Up For Sale